New Delhi: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on September 18 told a Special Court that former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had requested Swedish authorities to wind up the probe into Bofors pay-off after the news about alleged payment to Indian politicians was broadcast by the Swedish Radio in April 1987.

"Rajiv Gandhi denied the allegations and called up the Swedish government to request that there was no need for any further investigation by them," CBI counsel N Natrajan submitted before Special Judge Prem Kumar.

During arguments on framing of charges in the Rs 64 crore Bofors pay-off case, Natrajan said there was a close link between Rajiv Gandhi and accused Ottavio Quottrocchi and "inference could be drawn about his (Gandhi's) involvement".

Rajiv Gandhi, who also held the Defence portfolio when the 155MM Howitzer gun contract was awarded to Bofors in March 1986, was named as accused in the CBI chargesheet filed in 1999 but his name was not sent up for trial as he was no more.

When the Special Court asked Natrajan to explain how could one infer that there was a conspiracy between accused Hinduja brothers, Quottrocchi, W N Chadha, Bofors company, its former chief Martin Ardbo and Rajiv Gandhi, Natrajan said Quottrocchi, Hinduja brothers and Chadha had entered into agreements for taking commission from Bofors.

The Hindujas, Quottrocchi and Chadha took money from the Swedish arms manufacturer in a clandestine manner, he alleged.

The court asked Natrajan to explain on September 19 specific allegations against each of the accused connecting them with the alleged offences.

PTI